SimHQ.com - Motorsports Zone - Preview: 2004 German Grand Prix

Having won in France by stopping one more time than the opposition, Ferrari turned the tables in England to extend their dominant run by stopping one less time! While position on the racetrack can still be attained by the use of fuel stops than by overtaking there seems to be no reason for the Scuderia to attempt the dangerous and, for them, unnecessary maneuvers of overtaking other cars on the track. As a result there is little wheel to wheel action and the scarlet cars romp home to win after win without hindrance. Although this may shock the powers that be it could be suggested that if they tried to make people overtake through (for example) banning refueling and increasing the points for a win to 15 then maybe people will actually try to stop the red steamroller!

M. Schumacher

Another race and another win for Schumi. Schumacher has now won 10 out of the 11 races this year and there is no reason to believe that he will not win every remaining race this year. Although Schumacher disputes it, there must be a feeling of inevitability by the other teams when they turn up for a race weekend knowing that it will take something nigh on a miracle to prevent the No 1 Ferrari from winning again. Should Ferrari finish first and second at Hockenheim they will have won the constructor's championship while Schumacher should cement the driver's title from everyone but his team mate in the next couple of rounds. Another season of utter dominance by Ferrari is making the promoters jobs nightmarish at the moment as it is clear who will win every round from now until Brazil - it even seems likely that Ferrari won't play their usual fun and games regarding team orders for Rubens this season as he is taking second place in the championship nicely on his own. At least the battle behind Schuey should be interesting!

Barrichello

While Schumacher has romped away in the lead Rubens at least has been able to have some decent battles before slipping into second place normally just before the end of the race. Rubens has been made to look quite mortal in comparison to the seeming inevitability of Schumacher's drives this season. There is no doubt that Barrichello is less happy with the F2004 than he was with its predecessor. According to Rubens the car is more fidgety in fast corners and takes more effort to plant in the right part of the track. Rubens has said that he will retire if he feels that he can't challenge Michael Schumacher in equal cars. Given the evidence of this year's performances we should be expecting his retirement any day now! As one of the older statesmen on the grid Rubens is more than qualified to talk about the change to the new circuit layout at Hockenheim "I miss the old things and as we become older, it seems that everything new in life does not look as good as the old stuff!" said Barrichello. "The only bad thing about the old track was that, when it rained, the trees in the forest did not let the spray clear and visibility was almost non-existent, even though driving down those long straights was fantastic."

BMW Williams F1 (Dark Blue and White with Compaq and Allianz graphics)

Sam Michel's assessment of the track seems to not pull many punches. Unfortunately with the team in such a state of flux it is unlikely that they will be able to operate as well as they should this weekend. "Hockenheim is a great track for overtaking, particularly on the long straight from turn two down to turn three, which also has the added advantage of a large, tarmac run off area at the end. The Hockenheimring is therefore a good example of how circuits can contribute to improving overtaking opportunities in Formula One. The circuit layout itself is dominated by slow and medium speed corners which dictate the set-up of the cars and, as always, traction will be an important factor. We will have some additional aero and mechanical improvements on the car in Germany which we hope will help us make some progress up the grid. Last year's race showed how severe the track is on tires, so making the correct tire selection with Michelin will be of paramount importance. Strategy will be the most important factor of the weekend, as well as the efficiency of the pit crew. The WilliamsF1 pit crew was critical in helping the drivers gain positions at Silverstone, so we are confident that we can produce a strong showing in Germany. Antonio will be driving his first race for the team next weekend, so we will do everything we can to help him bring some points home at BMW’s home race."

Pizzonia

After two pretty unimpressive races covering for Ralf Schumacher test driver Marc Gene has been rested and been replaced by former Jaguar driver Antonio Pizzonia. There is no particular reason to suspect that Pizzonia will do any better than Gene but for the team it is a worthwhile gamble to take. The driver himself does not seem too concerned. "I am very happy to have been given this opportunity by the BMW WilliamsF1 Team and I will do my very best to assist the team in scoring some points. My total concentration is now on the forthcoming race weekend, and I have a clear preparation plan prior to Hockenheim." Although a win is beyond hope and a podium seems unlikely in the extreme Pizzonia will still be hoping to trouble the scorers at this race. In testing Pizzonia often outpaces the normal drivers and it seems likely that he will be looking to push Montoya in Germany. Something that has not often happened this season.

Montoya

With Montoya off to McLaren, no Ralf Schumacher at the team next year either and his clearly outperforming Ralf prior to Schumacher's replacement by under performing test drivers after his injury in the States Montoya seems to have developed quite a sloppy approach to his racing. He out-raced Sato in Silverstone but did not seem to really care about Jenson Button's BAR in front. This circuit may help JPM wake up his driving a little and remind everyone what he is capable of. "The last victory I had was at last year’s Grand Prix in Hockenheim, so it would be good to win again this year. It would also be a great boost for the team, and increase our points tally, but we know that it won’t be easy as our competitors are more aggressive than ever. Nevertheless, we have always performed well at this track and that gives us more confidence. No matter what the weather conditions will be like in Hockenheim, they can’t be as unpredictable and as cold as they were at Silverstone two weeks ago, so this should make our job a bit easier. The BMW WilliamsF1 Team will have an all South American driver line up at the German Grand Prix, so I wish Antonio all the best. I'll also be doing my best to score points and to help him do the same."

West McLaren Mercedes (Grey with West graphics)

After an impressive debut at Silverstone the MP4/19B is due to feature a more standardized nose in addition to numerous other tweaks to further enhance what has suddenly become a pretty special car. McLaren can expect to produce the main fight for Ferrari again at Hockenheim and it may well be the case that the silver cars will be fighting it out with BAR and Renault for the title of best of the rest by the end of the season. Martin Whitmarsh says how the team have been developing their car over the last fortnight. "Following the MP4-19B's strong performance at the British Grand Prix, the Team McLaren Mercedes team has continued to push hard with our development program. We have conducted two intensive tests at Silverstone and Jerez, with all four drivers in action, completing over 3800 kilometres in total. The simultaneous program included Hockenheim set-up and the proving of new components that we will race at the Mobil 1 German Grand Prix. This was in addition to developments that will be introduced in the longer term, which were tested at this time due to the testing ban that is now in force until the first week of September. As a team, Team McLaren Mercedes exists to win and are all pushing towards this aim."

Coulthard

With the next races pivotal for Coulthard's post McLaren career the Scot seems in dogged, determined form. "After the British Grand Prix, I am looking forward to racing the MP4-19B again at Hockenheim. The car has moved us forward in terms of both chassis and engine performance, and hopefully with the Hockenheim specific set-up work we have tested at the Silverstone test this week I will be in a position to perform better in Germany. Hockenheim is one of the quickest tracks we race at with an average lap speed around the 135 mph / 220 km/h, despite the mid-slow speed corners. The track is of course very different in character following the changes in 2002, but it still promoted exciting racing, and hopefully we will be able to continue to perform well in front of the home crowd, a lot of whom are based in the Mercedes-Benz Grandstand at the Spitzkehre and are always very vocal!" Coulthard's main option for next year seems to be Jaguar. Talks of a move to Toyota seem to be receding now that Jarno Trulli seems likely to move there while Giancarlo Fisichella may well move back to Renault following his impressive performances at Sauber this year. With Sauber not considering such an expensive driver Coulthard would be forced to go to Jaguar or to retire completely from the sport.

Raikkonen

An upturn in the performance of the car has also seen an upturn in the performance of the driver. Raikkonen has spent most of this season being soundly beaten by his team mate in terms of pace. With the advent of the MP4/19B Raikkonen seems to have found some of his old spark back and his driving at Silverstone showed that he can still perform given a car capable of challenging for the lead. With Montoya on the way Raikkonen will be keen to get on with the development work and thereby give himself a crucial advantage in the early part of the season next year. "The result at Silverstone and the pace of the MP4-19B during the weekend was very positive for the whole team. I felt competitive all weekend and am looking forward to taking this form to Germany and the Mercedes-Benz home support. We are bringing some additional aerodynamic modifications to the 19B on line at the race, which we tested after Britain and the results of which were encouraging and have shown that there is more to come from the car. Hockenheim is always fun to drive, with some real chances to overtake, particularly at the wide Parabolika hairpin, where stability under braking is key in order to pass, an area in which the 19B has improved."

Mild Seven Renault (Dark and Light Blue and Yellow with Mild Seven graphics)

The only team to win a race this season apart from Ferrari and, boy doesn't Monaco seem like a long time ago! Renault have got to the bottom of Fernando Alonso's engine failure at Silverstone (the time taken to change gear was too long — considering we are talking thousandths of a second here it shows how delicate modern F1 engines are when configured for race weekends!). Renault seem more and more likely to replace Jarno Trulli with Giancarlo Fisichella next year. It is amazing how the two Italians careers seem to have run in tandem. After initially starting in different teams (Ligier and Jordan) both drivers then swapped between Jordan and Renault with Truli now likely to head to Toyota for next season. What is the betting we will see Fisichella there in a few years time?! For this race Renault will be hoping for a return to form after a disappointing British Grand Prix. Renault are still twelve points clear of BAR in the constructor's battle but, with improvements on the BAR this race the Renault may well struggle and it will be nip and tuck between these two teams and the ever improving McLarens.

Trulli

Amazingly unaffected by his high speed accident at Silverstone, Jarno Trulli seems happy at the prospect of returning to Hockenheim. "I like the circuit at Hockenheim, and it was where I scored my first podium for Renault last year. You need to be precise in your driving, and make no mistakes because there are opportunities for other cars to overtake you. The car should be good there I think, and we will hopefully have some new developments to race, but predictions are a waste of time — a lot will depend on the circuit conditions, and the tire choice we will make as a result." Trulli seems more interested in events off the track rather than on it with his move to Toyota likely to be announced this weekend. Even so Trulli will be looking to turn in an impressive performance to convince the men from Cologne of his suitability for the job.

Alonso

Fernando got it right when he talks in his preview about it being hot "Hockenheim is often all about concentration for the drivers. It is usually very hot there, so the conditions in the cockpit are quite demanding, and to be quick we need to be very precise in how we drive. There is a lot of heavy braking into slow corners, and especially on heavy fuel loads or in the race on worn tires, the slightest slip can mean that competitors will get by you on the exit of the corner. This is a circuit where overtaking is quite easy at certain points, and if you make mistakes, the cars behind will often punish you. Well, with the current layout, the most important areas are getting good mechanical grip, and also very good traction — but keeping the top speed quite high into the hairpin at turn 4. The R24 has been strong in these areas, as we have seen at circuits like Monaco and Montreal, so I think we should be optimistic. Equally, the team will be looking to bounce back from Silverstone with a good result." The temperature for this weekend is forecast to be over 40C and both Michelin and Bridgestone are making tires dedicated to hot weather running. Exhaustion may well be a factor for some drivers and Fernando will be doing well to be in the running for a podium this weekend.

BAR Honda (White with Red Lucky Strike roundels)

Only a race late, BAR will be bringing its Silverstone upgrade to be raced for the first time at Hockenheim. David Richards as always puts an upward spin on what was a poor race weekend for the team by recent standards. "We took away many positives from Silverstone, despite what, on the face of it, was a fairly average result for us — particularly at our home Grand Prix," he said. "The test team have made good progress with our latest developments in Jerez this week and with seven races remaining we have to maintain every ounce of the momentum that has brought us so far already this season in order to pursue a top three place in the Championship. Personally I'm hopeful that the German Grand Prix will mark a return to the podium for BAR."

Button

A number of gearbox and some slight engine woes blighted Button's test at Jerez. Even so Jenson seems positive going to Germany. "Even though we were disappointed not to secure a podium finish at Silverstone last week, it wasn't too bad considering McLaren's step up in form," Button said. "Looking towards the German Grand Prix, I think that we should be a lot stronger in Hockenheim as our car is well-suited to the circuit. The track demands good traction and our car is strong in this area. We now need to concentrate our efforts on fighting the Renaults and to enable us to do this we need to have both cars finish the race in the points." Button may well make a welcome return to the podium this weekend. He proved he could outpace Montoya in similar machinery at Slverstone and will be looking to close the gap to Rubens Barrichello at Hockenheim.

Sato

Like Button Sato suffered an interrupted test at Jerez this week. The team have still not go to the bottom of his run of poor reliability raced at Hockenheim in 2002 when the circuit reopened after its major changes," Sato said. "It has been reconstructed into a very technical circuit which always provides an exciting race and gives us some great overtaking opportunities. Silverstone was a tough race for me, and I have had a few frustrations at our test in Jerez this week. However, some elements of the test program have produced quite promising results, so I am very much looking forward to the German Grand Prix next week."

Sauber Petronas (Mid Blue with a yellow airbox, white nose and front wing with Credit Suisse Red Bull and Petronas graphics)

The main news coming out of Sauber is the potential for a shock replacement for Fisichella should he leave for one of the leading teams next year. The team were thought to be very interested in BAR tester Anthony Davidson but recent reports suggest that they are looking at taking on DTM driver Gary Paffett after the young Brit has impressed in the series this year. The most likely option for the team will be a shoot out between the two drivers but there is the chance that the team may just take Paffett on, especially considering his dominant win around the streets of Shanghai last week. For this season technical director Willy Rampf is more focused on the task ahead at Hockenheim. "Hockenheim is another high downforce track, but because the surface is quite benign we can use relatively soft tire compounds. All the corners are low- and medium-speed, so you need a well balanced car and good traction. There is the long, curving back straight which is followed by a very tight right-handed corner. This is the best potential overtaking point, so the driver needs good brake stability there. After our very strong performance in Silverstone, which was very gratifying, we have been back into the wind tunnel at Hinwil to fine tune and optimize our aerodynamic package for this race and we will run a similar set-up with small refinements. I think that Hockenheim will be a good track for us because the character of our aero package should suit it well. If we can run as strongly as at Silverstone, I am optimistic that we will be doing well this weekend."

Fisichella

Unlike many Giancarlo prefers the newer version of Hockenheim. The track seems strange and emasculated now it has lost its traditional charge through the pine forests and the idea of the old Jim Clark memorial (sited near where the awesomely talented driver lost his life in a Formula 2 race in 1968) going into the weeds seems sad in the extreme. However like most things Formula 1 does not stand still and Fisichella is focused on Sunday and not what happened nearly forty years ago. "I like the shorter version of Hockenheim better, because it is safer! I have a good feel there now and the chances of overtaking are better too, especially after the long back straight and the hard braking for the tight corner that follows. I also really like the old Motordrom section, when you come back to the area where all the spectators are. They are very enthusiastic in Germany. The atmosphere is terrific because of them, and their air horns! I've always had a good feeling at Hockenheim, and I nearly won my first race there, back in 1997 (with Jordan), when I lost because I got a puncture but managed to set fastest lap. I am very optimistic that we will go well there this weekend, after the fantastic performance of the car with its revised rear bodywork at Silverstone."

Massa

Having only raced on the old track Massa may have trouble adjusting to the new track layout. According to many from the first race at the new Hockenheim in 2003 the circuit is actually more tricky to learn than many completely new circuits due to the higher downforce levels and therefore speeds attainable through the corners shared with the old track. Massa is undeterred and the Brazilian will be looking to put right a string of disappointing performances. "I only raced at Hockenheim in 2002, and the new track has a completely different character to the old one with its straights going out through the trees. For the latest version you need high downforce and good traction out of the slow corners, and overtaking can be difficult. However, there is a good chance at the end of the back straight. We should be in a strong position for next weekend. In addition to the new rear bodywork from Silverstone we will have some more aerodynamic refinements on the car at Hockenheim."

Jaguar (Green with HSBC graphics)

"Our last two races have been very strong for us and it’s good to see the team moving forward together and up the grid. Scoring at Silverstone our home race was special, especially since it was a first in the team’s history. Since then we have all been very focused on our continual progress and our three-day test has been really encouraging. Bjorn and Christian drove for the first day with then Mark and Christian both driving the second and third days. They have all been incredibly committed to the on-going development of the R5 and I have been very pleased with the results from the test ahead of the Hockenheim race. Our new aero package is delivering positive results and we will be looking to take this to Hockenheim. This development gives us a good amount of load and enhances our stability, all promising steps. With seven races to go we are pulling out all the stops to ensure that when there is a point to be scored we will be there."

Webber

"It’s been a busy couple of months with the back-to-back races but we are now returning the usual fortnightly races. This has allowed us to fit in some testing at Jerez, which has been invaluable. I tested for two days last week and I worked for the majority of the time on our new aero-package. I definitely felt that this is a step-forward for us and I was really pleased with the balance of it throughout the day. I did a good number of laps on both days and came away feeling very positive. Looking ahead to Hockenheim, the team has been working hard recently focusing on areas where we can pull back a few tenths here and there and it seems to be making a difference. My point from Silverstone was hard fought and from here every point will be even harder to get. I had a podium in 2000 at Hockenheim with F3000 so a repeat performance would be exciting! I am really enjoying driving the R5 and I will be doing what I can to score another point or even two at the German Grand Prix. We will certainly be looking to give everyone a run for their money."

Klein

"Hockenheim is a circuit that I know really well and one that I can thank for providing me with a podium during all my races there. I have been there with Formula BMW, Formula Renault and F3 and I get as much satisfaction every time I drive there as the first time I crossed the finish line. The track has changed slightly over the years and I really enjoyed the old layout as it was steeped in history and I liked the long straights and tight chicanes. The motodrome, where all the spectators are is a fantastic stretch of the track and it is really encouraging to see all the people cheering you on, it makes you want to put on a good show for them. Since finishing testing last week I have been back at home in Austria training for the next race. The weather has been great here so I have been cycling, hiking and running in the mountains. I am now feeling very motivated going into this race weekend as I know that we are well prepared for this race and we are in a good position to capitalize on our package. We have had two good strong weekends and there is no reason why we can’t do the same again this coming weekend."

Panasonic Toyota (Red and White with Toyota and Panasonic logo graphics)

After half a season of waiting the new Toyota 104B is finally going to make its debut at Hockenheim. Toyota seem likely to replace both drivers for the second time in the team's three year history and this lack of continuity is sure to hurt the team's development in the long run. Technical Director Mike Gascoyne seems positive about the new car but admits that this race is likely to be little more than a prolonged test session. "We used last week's test in Jerez to shake down the chassis of the new TF104B car. Most of the parts that make a difference to the lap time will appear for the first time this weekend. We know from simulations what kind of step we could make, but we have to wait until Friday to see how the data translates to the track. The German Grand Prix will be something of a test session for us, as we establish a baseline of the TF104B's potential. The car has an upgraded aero package, as well as a substantially repackaged chassis with lower weight and center of gravity. The debut of the TF104B now marks the start of a renewed development process for Toyota which will take us to the last race of the season in Brazil."

Panis

Olivier is still adamant that he will be on the grid next year. The former McLaren test driver and Ligier race winner still has a chance of a drive at Jaguar or Williams should Jarno Trulli take his seat at Toyota (as is widely expected). Like David Coulthard much depends upon the performance of the new car and to this end Olivier seems optimistic. "Personally, I am hoping for something of a turnaround of fortune with the debut of our TF104B race car at this weekend's German Grand Prix. A lot of hard work has gone into producing this car, so I would take this opportunity to thank every single member of the team for their individual contribution. We had a shakedown of the chassis at last week's test in Jerez, but most parts will only be run for the first time in Hockenheim, so we were unable to assess the car's true performance level. In addition to the chassis and aerodynamic upgrades, we also have a new spec engine for Hockenheim, so as a package, I am confident that we will make a good step forward."

Da Matta

With speculation rife that it is just a matter of time before Christiano announces which team he will be returning to race with in America Da Matta is refusing to speculate on his future and is instead focusing upon his unfinished business in F1. "Everyone at Panasonic Toyota Racing is really looking forward to racing our new TF104B race car at this weekend's German Grand Prix. There has been a lot of pressure on the team to produce a quicker car, but everyone working at the factory has put a lot of effort into the TF104B, so we're hoping for a reasonable jump in performance. Last year, the Hockenheimring was a track that suited our car — we qualified in the top ten and both cars finished in the top six. It was our best result of the year as a team, so I enjoyed it a lot. Now we hope the TF104B comes out as we have targeted, and we can start to aim for more results like that."

Jordan (Yellow with BandH graphics)

Unlike many drivers Team and Testing director James Robinson is reminiscent for the old track. "Hockenheim is not the track it once was — gone are the beautiful long straights and a tighter track replaces them, requiring a higher level of downforce than the old long circuit. In some respects it’s removed some of the interest of the track, as it was one of the very different circuits in the calendar but now it tends to blend into the others. It can be a very hot race and it would be a tough situation for the tires and the drivers if we see temperatures like last year again. We have the engine upgrade that we had in Silverstone and possibly a couple of things we tried at the test following the Grand Prix.” Unlike many of the larger teams that Jordan have flattered to challenge in the earlier races this year Jordan does not have any major new redesigns coming in the rest of this season. The team are hanging in there and in the mean time speculation is rife that it is about to be bought out either by German businessmen or by a delegation from Dubai. Either way it seems unlikely that the manufacturing center of the company is likely to move from Silverstone with planning permission already provisionally granted for a larger factory and a state of the art wind tunnel.

Heidfeld

In the run up to the race in Germany rumors abounded that Nick Heidfeld was going to test with Williams with a view to racing in Germany and possibly joining the team for next year. In the end this did not happen because Eddie Jordan and Sir Frank Williams could not agree on terms under which Heidfefld would be released. Heidfeld may still race for Williams later this year but this seems a more distant possibility given Raf Schumacher's willingness to return to racing as soon as possible. Despite this commotion Nick seems happy enough going to his second home race. "I am looking forward to Hockenheim as it is one of my home races, following Silverstone which was almost like a home Grand Prix. The atmosphere at Hockenheim is probably the best in the world especially for the spectators, being in the stadium section. You feel that as a driver too and I hope there will be a lot of supporters for the German drivers, including me. At Silverstone we had a positive test and tried something new on the mechanical side which found us a good margin of lap time so hopefully that will help us in Hockenheim.”

Pantano

Pantano seems to be having anything but a big impact into the sport. Giorgio seems to be a competent driver but it seems highly unlikely that the Italian will be anything more than an amiable journeyman, staying in the series more because of his wallet than his talent. That said Pantano is talented as he points out when describing the circuit. “I won the German Formula 3 title at Hockenheim in my first year in the series — I like the circuit. We haven’t been able to change the car a lot before we go there, although we have done a bit of testing at Silverstone. Hockenheim is quite fun to drive because it’s a high speed, high power track and since I enjoyed the flat-out sections of Indianapolis in the F1 car, I’m looking forward to it. It’s about technicality from the driver, finding the brake balance and really being on the limit”

Wilux Minardi Cosworth (Black, white and Wilux written in Light Blue on White
on Sides and rear wing)

Minardi had a desperately sad race at Silverstone following the death of their Team Director John Walton. Both cars and crew were stripped of sponsorship and ran only with John Boy slogans on their rear wing and sidepods as a mark of respect for the 43 year old who died of a heart attack in the week leading up to Silverstone. John Walton was the partner of the ITV pitlane reporter Louise Goodman and it showed just how much he meant to the Minardi team that the team seemed more focused on their grief than they did their race. Hockenheim will mark a new beginning and the team will be responding to the challenge of operating without Walton. The long straights will drain the underpowered Ford Cosworth engine and the team are sure to struggle though as always they are sure to plug on gamely as usual.

Bruni

Despite finishing way down the order Bruni at least showed that he cold last the race and seems to have got the bit slightly more between his teeth than has been the case in other races this year. Bruni's talent does not appear to be in any doubt but his commitment and focus seem to wander at the best of times. Considering the opportunity he has to progress if he can produce some decent race performances it seems a pity that Gianmaria is not producing more of an effort. It would be better to see Bruni spin out having wrung the neck of the car than it is to see him finish races so slowly when he is capable of so much more.

Baumgartner

Despite not being as capable driver as his team mate it is Zsolt's determination that has marked him out this season. Baumgartner seems similar to Gaston Mazzacaine in hat he may be about to be passed by a far faster car that has just made a pitstop but the Hungarian will still fight for his corner if the move is for position. Despite this Baumgartner is scrupulously fair when being lapped and does not often throw the car off the circuit. Even so Baumgartner could do is a slight talent injection of talent if he is ever to grow from being more than a pay driver.

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